SAN JUAN, P.R. -- Richard Pitino isn't a big fan of long-distance travel for early-season tournaments.
In two of his first three seasons as University of Minnesota basketball coach, his team has played in the Maui Invitational in 2014 and the Puerto Rico Tip-Off this year.
Both times the Gophers struggled and lost their first game.
Despite erasing a nine-point deficit in the second half, Minnesota lost to Temple 75-70 in the first round Thursday in Puerto Rico.
Nate Mason led the Gophers (2-1) with team-high 20 points and five assists. He made 11 of 12 free throws.